Kerala weather: Heavy rains to lash multiple districts; Coastal red alert in effect
Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for several districts across Kerala, forecasting isolated heavy rainfall over the next five days.
Yellow alert (heavy rain)
- August 23: Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod
- August 24: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur
A yellow alert indicates the likelihood of heavy rainfall ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within a 24-hour period.
Coastal red alert for ‘Kallakkadal’ phenomenon
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has maintained a red alert across all coastal regions of Kerala. Strong ocean waves and the “Kallakkadal” phenomenon (swell surge) are expected to impact the coastline.
High waves ranging from 1.1 to 1.8 metres, along with swell surges, are anticipated along the Kerala coast until 5.30 pm on Thursday (August 20). Low-lying coastal belts face heightened risks of seawater inundation and sea erosion.
High-risk coastal belts identified
Special precaution and high vigilance are required along the following stretches.
- Thiruvananthapuram: Kapil to Pozhiyoor
- Kollam: Alappad to Edava
- Alappuzha: Chellanam to Azheekal Jetty
- Ernakulam: Munambam FH to Maruvakkad
- Thrissur: Attupuram to Kodungallur
- Malappuram: Kadalundi Nagaram to Palappetti
- Kozhikode: Chompala FH to Ramanattukara
- Kannur: Valapattanam to New Mahe
- Kasaragod: Kunchathur to Kottakkunnu
Alerts extended to neighbouring coasts
INCOIS has also issued high wave and Kallakkadal warnings for neighbouring coastal zones, including
- Tamil Nadu: Kanyakumari, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli coasts
- Union Territories and States: Lakshadweep, Mahe and Karnataka coasts
Fisherfolk and residents in coastal communities are strongly advised to remain on high alert due to the risk of severe sea erosion and sudden surge waves.